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Breast Cancer Awareness Month

National Breast Cancer Awareness month was established to provide help and inspire hope to those affected by breast cancer though early detection, education, and support services. This month, we would like to share a few breast self-awareness tips to help you take charge of your health.

Know your risk

Talk to both sides of your family and learn about your family’s health history. Certain types of cancer can be passed on through family genes and can increase your risk of breast cancer. Talk to your doctor about the risks of breast cancer and what screenings are right for you.

Get Screened

Screenings help ensure that if breast cancer does develop, it is caught early when the chances of survival are the highest. It is recommended to have a clinical breast exam at least every three years starting at the age of 20 years old and a mammogram every year starting at age 40.

Know what is normal for you

Take the time to become familiar with your breasts and know what is normal for you. It is recommended to perform a breast self-examination at least once a month. While, a mammogram can help detect a lump, self-examinations help you memorize how your breasts look and feel so you can alert your health care professional if there are any changes. You can learn how to perform a breast self-examination HERE.

Healthy Habits

Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, and limiting alcohol intake can help decrease the risk of breast cancer in women.

In addition to living a healthy lifestyle, women who breast-feed their children for at least a year have a reduced risk of developing breast cancer.

*This content is endorsed by the NCHS Women’s Health Providers

If you are have any questions or would like to schedule a breast exam you can call us at (760) 736-6767

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This health center is a Health Center Program grantee under 42 USC 254b, a deemed Public Health Service employee under 42 USC 233(g)-(n), and an FTCA deemed facility. NCHS complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.